Reviving the sensuality of the 70s I often hear “I love modern, but not if it’s cold or stark”. A very well received solution to this condition is to reference mid-century modern – the use of a lot of walnut to warm up the white walls and some fantastic bright coloured classic pieces. We have all come to know and love the pieces given to us by Charles and Ray Eames, Aero Saarinen and Florence Knoll. In fact, my reverence for the era goes deep. I faithfully paint my toe nails

It is interesting how some people talk about modern homes and use descriptors like “boxy”, “plain”, or “flat” – but is it reasonable to characterize all modern design with such over-simplistic descriptors? In many cases, especially in the inner-city where space is at a premium and lot values are high, home owners want to maximize their living space. Often, the most efficient design comes in the form of linear post and beam construction – one of the hallmarks of mid-Century Mo

Recent kudos for Calgary have been many and raving. We were named one of the coolest (The New York Times had us 17th on their 2014 must-see list), the cleanest (Mercer City Financial-#1 in the world), and simply one of the best places to live (Moneysense, #2 in Canada). In less than a decade, we’ve gone from cow-town to cosmopolitan in the eyes of the “who’s who” in the world; a city poised for the future while embracing its past. Calgary’s adventurous, if not rebellious, spi

With the gift giving season upon us, we’ve come up with a list of ten books for archiphiles of all ages. And to make your shopping easier, all can be ordered on line from chapters.indigo.ca 1. Eames: Beautiful Details, by Eames Dimitrious $41.54 This just released coffee table book celebrates the life and work of the husband and wife design duo. 2. Archidoodle: The Architect’s Activity Book, by Steve Bowkett $16.46 An educational book for children of ages that explores everyt

Collaboration between architects and interior designers is integral to producing a successful project, and in this post we will share how the synergy between architect and interior designer, however simple, influenced and shaped a minimalist retail project. Synergistic relationships in business are often a consequence or a response to a need – as opposed to a core process.  Design synergy, as a core value, is best illustrated as a strategic partnership in service or in fabric

The New York Times – T Magazine recently featured a home in Stockholm, Sweden designed by the Scandinavian architecture firm Claesson Koivisto Rune. Located in a fin de siècle (turn of the 19th century) building, the interior is very modern, with big open spaces and minimal furnishings but at the same time very warm: a kitchen cabinet is clad in brass, and in a nod to the past, chair rail molding is used in the public spaces and ornate trim around the doorways. (Photos courte

In a recent blog post “The Parti and the Bicycle” I shared one of my favorite things about being the principal of an architecture firm – namely figuring out how we work as a studio to create designs with lasting power. I’ve always believed that if your work is done well, that it serves a greater purpose – to show you something that you weren’t aware of. In that blog, I introduced the concept of “le parti;” in this post I will share how “le parti” influenced the design of one

In a recent essay in The New York Times’ T Magazine called By Design: The Franchising of Architecture, critic Witold Rybczynski questioned whether globalization has been good for architecture. Has the result been cities populated with buildings designed by “imported architects just passing through town” with little knowledge of the history, climate, or how that particular town works? Do architects design better buildings on their own turf? Accompanying the story is an interes

One of my favorite things about being the principal of an architecture firm is figuring out how we work as a studio to produce things. I’ve always believed that if your work is done well, that it serves a greater purpose – to show you something that you weren’t aware of. That’s what I like to call “le parti.” Some people refer to the parti as the concept or idea behind the design, but I think this is an incomplete description. I see the parti as being more about the manifesta

1. We are a young, cosmopolitan, and confident city. Our adventurous, if not rebellious, spirit has us always looking forward as opposed to the past. This is true for our design tastes, as well, as we are able to embrace modern esthetics just as easily as we embrace new technology. 2. We are a cultured city. Maclean’s magazine recently cited Calgary as “THE” most cultured city in Canada based upon our attendance to live art performances and museums. Our affinity towards the a

It is no secret that the cost of urban land in Calgary is rising and the space available for development is shrinking.  Building a new home in the city on a traditional “full-sized” lot (50’x120′) is becoming more of a challenge than ever before. However, there is still a great deal of opportunity for building a comfortable infill within the Calgary area.  Well-designed residential infill projects can integrate harmoniously into a local landscape, improving and enriching a ne

When it comes to architecture, Modern and Contemporary are terms that are often used interchangeably.  What is the difference between them? Why the distinction? At their most literal, “contemporary” is the architecture being produced now, the architecture of the moment. “Modern” architecture breaks with the past — specifically the traditional styles of before the Industrial Revolution. And while it’s true that Modern is Contemporary, Contemporary isn’t always Modern. Modernis